Mark Riley, Coombe Gallery
What got you into art?
With my family it’s hard not to be involved in art in some way! My great grandfather was an influential Czech artist who exhibited with Rodin. My grandfather was an art teacher in a grammar school. My dad, Paul Riley, was one of the youngest ever artists to exhibit in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. He was 15.
Would you call yourself an artist?
Not quite. I did an Art History degree rather than Fine Art because I wasn’t confident enough in my skills. When I finished school I decided to do something totally different and went to India to work in an orphanage. My mum and dad weren’t going to let me escape that easily and applied for me to go to university whilst I was away! They came over to visit and told me I’d got into Aberdeen. Great city - It really appealed to the romantic in me with all the cobbled streets and hallowed halls. These days I draw and paint a bit, but I’m more interested in what other people are doing. I’m the only one in the family who’s gone over to ‘the dark side’ - selling art rather than making it!
What is Coombe Gallery all about?
We showcase talent from across Britain with a big emphasis on Devon and Cornwall. I go to university shows every year - discovering new artists and collecting their work to sell back here in Dartmouth. I guess it is a bit biased on what I like, what catches my eye, but I always question why I don’t like something and try to come back with a range of paintings, sculptures, glass and ceramics. There is so much out there.
One of your more controversial pieces was the painting of a lady with a pole going through her head. Do you aim to shock?
Sometimes yes, if you get any reaction as people walk by it’s better than nothing. A man bought that piece for his living room; he said it would be a good talking point for guests! I certainly don’t take the easy route - pictures of boats and harbours - there are enough shops doing that in the South West. Neither do I sell many of the smaller items that draw people in. It means I cut out quite a bit of passing trade and I sometimes go ten days without selling a thing, but then I may sell a series of great works of art in a single weekend.
Who are your main customers?
Usually second homeowners. We have quite a few here in Dartmouth and the turnover is quite high so there are plenty of families wanting original works to make a unique statement in their new homes. However, we also have great local clients who have supported us well over the years and who often like to pop in and see which new works we have on display. We are fortunate to have developed a close bond with both our clients and artists. We also attend art fairs in London and Edinburgh to broaden our market and showcase new work by our artists outside of Devon.
Have you always lived in Devon?
I spent my first eight years in London, then my family moved to Dittisham where we converted old farm barns and pigsties into art studios. My sister, Lara, successfully runs that business - Coombe Farm Studios. I now live in Blackawton with my wife and three children.
What do you do in your spare time?
A lot of football! I have been playing for Dittisham United since I was 15 and am now vice chair and secretary of the club. I play with the ‘Fat Dads’ on a Monday night at the leisure centre. It’s a chance for the men to get out the house and have a break from the wife and children!! Don’t worry, the ladies reciprocate with “book club”. I used to be a member of Dartmouth Shakespeare Week. Love acting, but I can’t sing to save my life. I also like reading restaurant reviews about places I can’t afford to go!
What would you buy yourself if money was no object?
You may think I’d say an expensive piece of art but actually I think it would be an old American car or a motorbike; maybe a Royal Enfield Bullet. Perhaps I could do a motorbike maintenance course then take off on a new adventure – it’s about time for a midlife crisis!
First published By The Dart magazine May 2016
